Bicycle power supply for bicycle electrical system

Abstract

A bicycle power supply is configured to be charged by electrical power generated by a hub dynamo. The bicycle power supply has a plurality of accumulator elements, a connection switching part, a voltage detection part and a switch control part. The accumulator elements are disposed between first and second ends of the hub dynamo. The connection switching part switches between a first state and a second state, in which the accumulator elements are connected in series and parallel, respectively, to the hub dynamo. The voltage detection part detects the voltage supplied by the hub dynamo. The switch control part controls the connection switching part to establish the first state when the voltage detected by the voltage detection part is at or above a prescribed voltage, and controls the connection switching part to establish the second state when the prescribed voltage is not reached.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-118306 on Apr. 27, 2007. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-118306 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a bicycle power supply for charging electricity generated by an alternating-current generator for a bicycle, and an electrical system for a bicycle in which the bicycle power supply is used.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. Recently, bicycles have been ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a bicycle power supply with a simple and compact configuration that can be charged by a stable voltage. The accumulator elements in the power supply have strong resistance characteristics and can be overvoltage-proofed without the need for a half wave voltage-doubling rectifier circuit. The accumulator elements can be connected in parallel or series, and the connection switching part can switch between them to achieve the desired voltage. The power supply can be charged even at low speeds or at night, and it provides a stable voltage even when the output voltage decreases. The accumulator elements can be connected in a more complex configuration with additional switch elements, but the invention provides a simple and effective solution for most bicycle power supply configurations.

Problems solved by technology

Concerns are accordingly presented that the power supply will have a large, complex structure.

However, when a parallel connection has been established, the voltage is the same for each accumulator element; therefore, it becomes unnecessary to utilize a voltage monitoring circuit to ensure that the withstand voltage of the accumulator elements is not exceeded when the voltage develops a bias.

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